Exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for performing various physical exercises. A push-up apparatus is disclosed including a handle member having a first distal end portion and a second distal end portion, and first and second support members, each including a substantially flat support surface and a bearing structure rotatably coupled to one of the first and second distal end portions of the handle member, the bearing structure being positioned such that a respective distal end of the handle member is closer to a top surface of the respective support member opposite the support surface than to the support surface. The handle member is configured to rotate axially about a central axis of the handle member independently of the first and second support members.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to PTC Application No. PCT/US2014/68042, filed on Dec. 2, 2014, and entitled “EXERCISE APPARATUS,” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/061,066, filed on Oct. 7, 2014, and entitled “EXERCISE APPARATUS,” the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND Field

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of exercise apparatuses.

Description of Related Art

Exercise apparatuses can be used for various strength training physical exercise, wherein manipulation of an exercise apparatus by a user may cause muscular contraction for building strength, anaerobic endurance, and/or size of skeletal muscles. Exercise using various exercise apparatuses can provide one or more of increased bone, muscle, tendon and/or ligament strength, improved joint function, reduced potential for injury, increased bone density, increased metabolism, and/or improved cardiac function, among possibly other benefits. Certain exercise apparatuses may be used for anaerobic exercise as well as aerobic exercise.

SUMMARY

Disclosed are, among others, various examples of exercise apparatuses and methods for performing various exercises using the same. Certain embodiments disclosed herein provide a push-up apparatus including a handle member having a first distal end portion and a second distal end portion and first and second support members. Each of the first and second support member may include a substantially flat support surface and a bearing structure rotatably coupled to one of the first and second distal end portions of the handle member, the bearing structure being positioned such that a respective distal end of the handle member is closer to a top surface of the respective support member opposite the support surface than to the support surface. The handle member may be configured to rotate axially about a central axis of the handle member independently of the first and second support members.

In certain embodiments, one or more of the first and second support members includes one or more weights disposed between the bearing structure and the support surface. The push-up apparatus may be configured to be utilized as a dumbbell for weight training exercises. In certain embodiments, movement of the handle member in a substantially circular motion about the central axis of the handle causes the support surface of at least one of the first and second support members to rotate independently of the handle about the central axis of the handle. The first support member may be fixed to the second support member such that axial rotation of the first support member causes similar axial rotation of the second support member.

In certain embodiments, the first support member is fixed to the second support member by an internal shaft disposed at least partially within the handle member and connecting between the first and second support members. The handle member may be detachable from the first and second support members. In certain embodiments, the top surface of each of the first and second support members includes a rounded apex surface.

Certain embodiments disclosed herein provide an exercise apparatus including a handle member having a first distal end portion and a second distal end portion and first and second support members. Each of the first and second support members may include a substantially flat support surface, a top surface positioned opposite the support surface and a bearing structure rotatably coupled to one of the first and second distal end portions of the handle member. The handle member may be configured to rotate axially about a central axis of the handle member independently of the first and second support members. The first support member may have a height dimension extending between the support surface and the top surface of the first support member, the height dimension intersecting the central axis of the handle member at a point that is a distance that is more than half of the height dimension away from the support surface of the first support member.

In certain embodiments, one or more of the first and second support members includes one or more weights disposed between the bearing structure and the support surface of the respective support member. The exercise apparatus may be configured to be utilized as a dumbbell for weight training exercises. In certain embodiments, movement of the handle member in a substantially circular motion about the central axis of the handle causes the support surface of at least one of the first and second support members to rotate independently of the handle axially about the central axis of the handle.

In certain embodiments, the first support member is fixed to the second support member such that axial rotation of the first support member causes similar axial rotation of the second support member. The handle member may be detachable from the first and second support members.

Certain embodiments disclosed herein provide a process of performing a physical exercise. The process may include placing first and second exercise devices against a substantially flat surface, each of the first and second exercise devices including a handle member having a first distal end portion and a second distal end portion and first and second support members. Each of the first and second support members may include a substantially flat support surface and a bearing structure rotatably coupled to one of the first and second distal end portions of the handle member, the bearing structure being positioned such that a respective distal end of the handle member is closer to a top surface of the respective support member opposite the support surface than to the support surface. The process may further involve grasping the handle members of the first and second exercise devices, adjusting a rotational angle of the first and second exercise devices by rotating the handle members of the first and second exercise devices axially independently of the respective first and second support members of each of the first and second exercise devices, and performing a push-up exercise while grasping the handle members.

The process may further involve lifting the first exercise device away from the substantially flat surface and performing a weight training exercise at least in part by moving the handle member of the first exercise device in a substantially circular motion about a central axis of said handle member, thereby causing the support surface of at least one of the first and second support members of the first exercise devices to rotate independently of said handle member about the central axis. In certain embodiments, the first support member of the first exercise device is fixed to the second support member of the first exercise device such that axial rotation of said first support member causes similar axial rotation of said second support member. The first support member may be fixed to the second support member by an internal shaft disposed at least partially within the handle member and connecting between the first and second support members.

In certain embodiments, the process further involves detaching the handle member of the first exercise device from the first and second support members of the first exercise device. Furthermore, moving the handle member in a substantially circular motion may be performed at least in part by grasping the handle member of the first exercise device with two hands and moving the handle member of the first exercise device in a substantially circular motion using the two hands.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments are depicted in the accompanying drawings for illustrative purposes, and should in no way be interpreted as limiting the scope of the inventions. In addition, various features of different disclosed embodiments can be combined to form additional embodiments, which are part of this disclosure. Throughout the drawings, reference numbers may be reused to indicate correspondence between reference elements.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exercise apparatus in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a first side of the exercise apparatus of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein, wherein the opposite side (not shown) of the exercise device is substantially a mirror image in certain respects to the illustrated side in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing a front side of the exercise device of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein, wherein the back side (now shown) of the exercise device is substantially a mirror image in certain respects to the illustrated side in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the exercise device of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of the exercise device of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a weight portion of an exercise device including a counter device according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a user operating an exercise device according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 8 is a top view of an exercise device according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a user operating an exercise device according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 10A is an illustration of a user operating exercise devices according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 10B is a close up view of one of the exercise devices illustrated in FIG. 10A according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 11 illustrates an exercise device according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 12 is an illustration a user operating an exercise device according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of a weight member assembly for an exercise device according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of a weight member assembly for an exercise device according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 15A is a perspective view of an exercise device according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 15B illustrates an exploded view of the exercise device shown in FIG. 15A according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 16A is a perspective view of a handle assembly for an exercise device according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 16B illustrates an exploded view of the handle assembly shown in FIG. 16A according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While certain embodiments are described, these embodiments are presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the scope of protection.

The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do not necessarily affect the scope or meaning of the claimed invention. Disclosed herein are example configurations and embodiments relating to data storage devices generally, as well as controller board layouts in data storage devices.

Dumbbell Structure and Design

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dumbbell 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein. The dumbbell 100 includes a bar-shaped handle member 110 that extends between first and second weight members 120A, 120B. The weight members 120A, 120B illustrated, as well as similar structures or assemblies disclosed herein, may be referred to as support members, weights, supports, or the like. For example, the weight (or support) members 120A, 120B may provide support for the device 100 when positioned on the ground or against another surface, such as a substantially flat surface. The device may be usable as a push-up apparatus when positioned on the ground, for example. The handle 110 may be rotatably coupled to one or more of the weight members 120A, 120B. That is, the handle 110 may be configured to rotate about a central axis 107 of the handle 110 substantially independently of the motion of the weight members 120A, 120B.

While the handle 110 is illustrates as having a generally-cylindrical shape, variations in handle shape may also be implemented within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the weight members 120A, 120B may have any desirable shape, and may be configured to provide weight-resistance when the dumbbell 100 is handled and/or manipulated by a user. For example, a user may grasp or support the dumbbell at one or more portions of the handle member 110 and move the dumbbell 100 in a desirable motion and/or direction, thereby providing resistive muscle engagement for exercise/training purposes, as well as possibly for recovery for wrist, elbow, shoulder, or other body parts and/or muscle groups.

The handle member 110 may be coupled or connected to the weights 120A, 120B via attachment regions 122A, 122B, which may provide rotatable attachment between the weights and the handle such that the handle and/or weights may rotate irrespective of one another about an axis 107. The attachment structures, or regions 122A, 122B may have any desirable shape or configuration, and may serve to join distal portions of the handle member 110 to the respective weight members 120A, 120B. In certain embodiments, the weight members 120A, 120B may comprise assemblies of various components collectively configured to provide weight resistance for the dumbbell 100.

In certain embodiments, the dumbbell is configured to provide rotating weight functionality, wherein one or both of the weight members 120A, 120B is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis 107 of the handle 110 at a pivot point (e.g., point 109 for weight member 1208) substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the handle 110. The attachment regions 122A, 122B may comprise a bearing assembly or structure designed to allow for axial rotation of the handle member 110 relative to the weight members while remaining coupled to the weight members. The bearing assembly or structure may be provide a plain or solid bearing, rolling or ball bearing assembly, or other type of bearing assembly or structure. In certain embodiments, a journal member of the handle 110 may be configured to slide over one or more bearing surfaces of a respective weight member.

The weight members 120A, 120B may be configured to rotate substantially independently of one another, or may be configured such that motion of one of the weight members is tied to the motion of the other to some degree. For example, a connection member disposed, for example, within the handle structure 110, may be connected to at least a portion of each of the weight members 120A, 120B and configured to rotate with the weight members, thereby at least partially fixing the rotations of the weight members to each other.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a first side of the dumbbell of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein, wherein the opposite side of the dumbbell is substantially identical in certain respects to the illustrated side in FIG. 2. The diagram of FIG. 2 illustrates a face portion of a weight member 120, which may correspond to one or both of the weight members 120A, 120B shown in FIG. 1 and discussed above. In certain embodiments, as described above, the weight member 120 may be configured to rotate about a pivot point 109 vis-à-vis an at least partially-attached handle member (not shown). The weight member 120 includes a substantially rounded or pointed apex portion 121, which is part of a larger body portion 126, and a base portion 128 configured to provide support the weight member 120 on a surface plane 103, such that a central axis 105 of the weight member 120 is substantially vertical when the weight member 120 is supported on the surface 103.

In certain embodiments, the pivot point, or region 109 is disposed a closer distance h₁ to the apex 121 than the distance h₂ to the bottom of the base 128. The pivot point may correspond to a central point of a bearing assembly configured to provide the rotating functionality of the handle (not shown) coupled thereto. The total height dimension of the weight member 120 may comprise the combined dimensions h₁ and h₂. The height dimension may be conceptualized as a central dimension extending between a flat support surface 123 and a top surface 121 positioned substantially opposite the support surface 123, wherein the total height dimension intersects a longitudinal axis 107 of the handle 110 in a central vertical plane 105 of the weight member. The point 109 may be positioned at a point about two-thirds, three-fourths, or some other proportion greater than one-half, of the total height dimension away from the support surface 123. That is, the dimension h₁ may be less than the dimension h₂, by any desirable factor or degree.

In certain embodiments, the base portion 128 includes a substantially flat surface 123. However, the base portion 128 may comprise other shapes designed to provide support to the weight member 120 and/or dumbbell. For example, the base portion may comprise one or more legs, or extensions configured to provide standing support for the weight 120. In certain embodiments, the base portion is at least partially curved along the bottom surface 123, such that the weight member 120 may rock to some degree when supported on a surface 103.

The body portion 126 of the weight 120 may be disposed substantially adjacent to the base portion 128 and at least partially above the base portion when the weight member is in a vertical orientation, as illustrated. In certain embodiments, the body portion 126 and the base portion 128 are part of a single form, or unitary structure. The body portion 126 may comprise a central exterior portion 129, such as a cover, cap or plate, which may be detachable from the remainder of the weight member in certain embodiments. For example, the central portion 129 may comprise metal, which may provide structural and/or strength benefits, as well as aesthetic benefits. In certain embodiments, the central portion 129 is similar in shape to the exterior shape of the body structure 126. The body portion 126 may further comprise an outer shell portion 127, which, in certain embodiments, comprises plastic or other material.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing a front side of the dumbbell 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with one or more embodiments disclosed herein, wherein the back side of the dumbbell is a substantially mirror image in certain respects to the illustrated side in FIG. 3. The view of the dumbbell 100 shown in FIG. 3 shows attachment structures 122A, 122B, which are disposed at a portion of the dumbbell where distal ends of the handle 110 are joined with the respective weight members 120A, 120B. In certain embodiments, the attachment structures 122A, 122B provide physical attachment functionality for the handle 110 and/or weight members 120A, 120B. The attachment members 122A, 122B may further be configured to rotate with the handle 110 and/or the respective weight members 120A, 120B. As shown, at least portions of the attachment structures 122A, 122B may have a wider diameter than the handle 110, and may comprise a tapered shape, as shown, where an inner diameter of the attachment structures is smaller than an outer diameter, the outer diameter being disposed closer to the respective weight members 120A, 120B, than the inner diameter.

In the diagrams of FIGS. 1-6, various dimensions are called-out to provide examples of dimensions and/or features of the dumbbell 100 illustrated in the diagrams. For example, various heights, widths, lengths, thicknesses and/or other dimensions are illustrated and identified using various identifiers. As shown in FIG. 2, a height of a weight member 120 may comprise a first height portion h₁ and a second height portion h₂, wherein the height portion h₂ corresponds to a dimension between a bottom plane 123 and a rotational pivot point 109, where in the pivot point 109 is substantially aligned with a central longitudinal axis 107 of the handle 110. Therefore, the ratio of the height h₂ to the height h₁ may represent a degree of offset of the handle 110. Such offset may advantageously allow for a user to cause one or more of the weight members 120A, 120B to rotate about the axis 107 simply by manipulating the handle 110 with circular motion about the longitudinal axis 107 of the handle 110. In certain embodiments, the height h₁ has a value of approximately 1.5 inches, or some other value, while the height h₂ has a value of approximately 4.0 inches, or some other value. The overall height of the weight member 120 of FIG. 2, or of either of the weight members 120A, 120B shown in FIG. 3, may be represented by the dimension h₃ illustrated, and may have a value of approximately 5.5 inches, or some other value.

Additional dimensions are illustrated in FIG. 3. For example, the dimension l₁ represents a length of the handle member 110, while the dimension d₁ represents a distance between the weight members 120A and 120B, which may correspond to a combined distance represented by the length l₁ and the thicknesses of the attachment members 122A and 1202B. In certain embodiments, the length l₁ of the handle 110 may be between approximately 7.5-8.0 inches, or other length. For example, the length l₁ may have a value of approximately 7.6 inches. Meanwhile, the dimension w₁ represents a width, or diameter, of the handle member 110, while the dimension w₂ represents a width, or thickness, of one or both of the weight members 120A and 120B. In certain embodiments the widths w₁ and w₂ may have values between approximately 1.4-1.5 inches and 0.8-1.0 inches, respectively, or other values. For example, the widths w₁ and w₂ may have values of approximately 1.5 inches and 0.96 inches, respectively, or other values. The dumbbell diagram of FIG. 3 represents the dumbbell 100 in a vertical orientation. That is, the orientation of the dumbbell 100 of FIG. 3 may be substantially similar to the orientation illustrated for the dumbbell 100 shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the dumbbell 100 of FIG. 1. The diagram of FIG. 4 shows a dimension w3 that represents a width of one or more of the weight members 120A and 120 B. For example, when in a vertical orientation, the dimension w3 may correspond to a horizontal with of a weight member. In certain embodiments, the width w₃ may have a value between approximately 6.0-7.0 inches, or other range or value. For example, the width w₃ may have a value of approximately 6.5 inches in an embodiment. FIG. 4 shows top apex portions 121A and 121B of the respective weight members, as described above with reference to FIG. 2. Furthermore, the illustrated top view shows the respective body portions of the weight members 120A and 120B, while the base portions described above with reference to FIG. 2 may not be viewable from a top-down perspective.

FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of the dumbbell 100 of FIG. 1. The diagram of FIG. 5 shows base portions 128A and 128B and body portions 126A and 126B of the weight members 120A and 120B, respectively.

Audio/Visual Output

In certain embodiments, dumbbells disclosed herein include functionality for providing one or more audio and/or visual output signals to users as a means of providing notifications and/or other information to a user associated with the user's use of the dumbbell(s) in various exercise-related activities. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a weight portion 620 or other portion of a dumbbell may include a counter 124, which is configured to display, or otherwise notify a user of, repetition-count information or other information associated with exercise activities. The weight portion 620 and/or other component of an exercise device (e.g., dumbbell) may include one or more motion sensors (not shown) for detecting or determining exercise repetition information/count. Such motion sensor may include one or more of the following types of sensors: magnetic sensors, accelerometers, gyroscopes, pressure sensors, mechanical sensors, or the like.

As described above, in certain embodiments, dumbbells as disclosed herein are configured with rotating weight assemblies, wherein a user may rotate one or more weight members at distal ends of the dumbbell in order to provide particular engagement and/or stress of one or more muscles or muscle groups to advantageously provide a beneficial exercise result. The counter 124 may employ any desirable or suitable means or mechanism for providing a notification to the user of a repetition count, timer information associated with exercise activities, or other information that may be useful to the user. For example, in certain embodiments, the weight member 620 includes a counter 124 comprising a numerical and/or text display window 125, which may be digital, analog, or a combination of both.

FIG. 7 provides an illustration of a user 705 operating a dumbbell 700 according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein. As described above, the user 705 may engage one or more weight members 720 of the dumbbell 700 by exerting circular force on a handle member (not shown) of the dumbbell 700, thereby causing the one or more weight members 720 to rotate about an axis of the dumbbell, such as a longitudinal central axis of the handle member of the dumbbell 700, wherein one or more of the weight members is configured to rotate about said axis. In connection with rotations of the weight member 720, a counter feature or display 724 may incrementally track and/or display count information associated with repetitions, or revolutions, of the weight member 720 during exercise activity of the user 705. Repetition-tracking information may be calculated/determined using analog mechanical, electrical, and/or controller logic features/components, which may be disposed at least partially within one or more components of the dumbbell 700, such as the weight member 720.

In certain embodiments, the dumbbell 700 further comprises audio signaling or notification functionality. For example, the dumbbell 700 may be configured to alert or otherwise notify the user 705 audibly of repetition counts. In certain embodiments, the audio notification component(s)/functionality may be configured to provide an alert or signal with each completed or partially completed repetition or revolution of the weight member 720, thereby advantageously providing a mechanism for the user 705 to more easily track repetition counts associated with exercise activities. In certain embodiments, the audio signaling functionality is configured to provide audio signals of repetitions according to a predetermined denominator, wherein a user is provided with an audio signal only after a particular number of repetitions or revolutions have been completed. For example, the dumbbell 700 may be configured to beep every tenth repetition or revolution, or according to any other desirable set or grouping of repetitions.

In certain embodiments, the dumbbell 700 is programmable by the user to provide audio signals according to a user-desired repetition-tracking scheme. For example, the dumbbell 700 may be equipped with user input features and/or functionality, where any user may input desired repetition-counting and/or notification settings. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the dumbbell 700 and/or weight member 720 may be coupled in some manner to a computing device (not shown), wherein a user may input user preferences/settings using the computing device. For example, the dumbbell may be outfitted with a USB or other connection port for providing an interface between the dumbbell 700 and another computing device.

In certain embodiments, the audio functionality of the dumbbell 700 is configured to provide verbal commands and/or notifications. For example, the dumbbell 700 may be configured to provide a verbal audio signal of the repetition count. As an additional or alternative example, the audio signaling functionality may provide notification information to the user 705 indicating an amount of time, such as time passed or time remaining in a given exercise, associated with exercise activities of the user. In certain embodiments, the dumbbell 700 may be configurable to implement predetermined set times associate with exercise activities, wherein audio signals may alert the user 705 of time passed and/or time remaining in a given exercise set. In certain embodiments, the exercise device 700 is configured to beep or provide other tone or audio signal every 30 seconds (or other period of time) during exercise activity. Audio signals may advantageously allow for a user engage in walking or other activity while exercising without the need to consult a watch or timer to determine how long such exercising has been performed. As with other embodiments disclosed herein, audio signaling may be in the form of beeps, alarms, clicks, or verbal messages or other audio signaling mechanism.

The various audio and/or visual notification features of the dumbbell 700 and/or dumbbell 600 may advantageously allow a user to perform desired exercise activities while reducing the burden on the user for tracking times, repetition counts, or other information associated with said exercise activities. Therefore, such notification features may improve workout quality and/or ease-of-use associated with dumbbell exercise activities.

In certain embodiments, exercise devices disclosed herein are configured to provide heart rate monitoring information. For example, an exercise device, such as a dumbbell, may include one or more sensors configured to produce a signal indicating a heart rate or other biological information associated with the user. In an embodiment, a handle member of the dumbbell includes a heart rate monitor sensor, wherein a user may grasp the handle member such that the heart rate monitor sensor is thereby able to derive heart rate information from contact with the users hand or other portion of the user's body. Such an exercise device may be further configured to display or otherwise output heart rate monitor information. For example, such information may be provided to a user using a display, such as an LED readout, or other visual or audio output signal.

Exercise devices disclosed herein may be further configured to provide calorie count or other physiological information. Calorie count information may be derived, for example, based on repetition count information and/or other information associated with a user and/or exercises performed by a user. In certain embodiments, the exercise device is programmable, wherein a user may input user profile information, such that such information may be used to derive calorie count or other physiological data.

Pull-Up/Chin-Up Bar Conversion

FIG. 8 is an illustration of an exercise device 800 including a handle member 810 and one or more weight members 820A, 820B. The exercise device 800 may further include one or more attachment members 822A, 822B, which may be configured to secure the handle member 810 two the weight members 820A, 820B, respectively. Although illustrated in FIG. 8, certain embodiments may lack the attachment structures 822A, 822B. In certain embodiments, the exercise device 800 may be similar to certain dumbbell embodiments described herein, with the exception that the handle member 810 may be longer than corresponding handle members of dumbbell embodiments disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, the length l2 of the handle 810 may be greater than approximately 20 inches. For example, the handle member 810 may be approximately 28 inches in length, or longer. In another embodiment, the handle member 810 is between 20-25 inches in length, or between approximately 25-28 inches in length. The exercise device 800, with its longer handle member 810, may be usable as a curl bar, or the like. That is, in certain embodiments, the exercise device 800 may be used for exercise activities, wherein a user performs such exercise activities with two hands simultaneously gripping one or more portions of the handle member 810.

A user may grasp one or more portions of the handle member 810 and perform various curl exercises, such as a biceps curl, wrist curl, or the like. Similarly to certain rotating-weight dumbbell exercises described above, a user may exert circular force on the handle member 810, or one or more regions thereof, thereby causing one or more of the weight members 820A, 820B to rotate about a longitudinal central axis of the handle member 810. Such activity by the user may engage at least the biceps muscles of the user, thereby providing exercise thereof. Rather than performing a full range of motion of the biceps muscles during such biceps exercise, it may be desirable according to certain exercises to engage the handle member in a circular motion within a relatively restricted range of motion in order to maintain relatively tight engagement out desired muscles or muscle groups during exercise activity.

In certain embodiments, the exercise device 800 may be further utilized for performing one or more additional exercises, such as pull-ups or chin-ups. For example, the exercise device 800 may be configured to be attached to a mounting structure, wherein a user 905, as shown in FIG. 9, may secure the exercise device 800 to the mounting structure and, by grasping one or more portions of the handle member 810, perform various upper-body compound pulling exercises, such as pull-ups or chin-ups. The mounting structure or structures may take any desirable form, such as a hook structure 890, which may in turn be secured to a doorframe or other physical structure, thereby providing support for the exercise device when properly mounted. While FIG. 9 illustrates a hook-like attachment structure, wherein a user may secure the exercise device 800 to the mounting structure 890 simply by nesting one or more portions of the handle member 810 within a concave nesting portion of the mounting structure 890, other types of mounting/support structures may be used within the scope of the present disclosure.

The handle member 810 of the exercise device 800 may comprise a singular/unitary member or form, or may be made up of a plurality of handle segments, such as the illustrated handle segments 810A, 810B, 810C. In certain embodiments, various handle segments of the handle member 810 may be detachable and or removable, wherein a length l₂ of the handle member may be modified to some degree through the addition and/or removal of one or more handle segments. For example, the various handle segments may be attachable through a screwing connection mechanism, wherein a distal end of a first handle segment comprises a threaded male attachment structure, while a corresponding distal end of a second handle segment comprises a corresponding female threaded attachment structure. In certain embodiments, one or more handle segments may be configured to nestingly slide within another handle segment in a telescopic fashion. For example, one segment (e.g., handle segment 810B) may comprise a relatively wider diameter than one or more neighboring handle segments (e.g., handle segments 810A, 810C), as well as an at least partially hollow interior, wherein the one or more neighboring handle segments may nesting the slide within at least a portion of the interior of the wider handle member. According to such a configuration, the exercise device may be convertible between various handle lengths. For example, the exercise device 800 may be convertible between a dumbbell figuration and a curl bar/pull-up bar figuration in certain embodiments. Furthermore, telescoping interrelation of handle segments may allow for reduced space occupation for storage/transport purposes.

In addition to the illustrated pull-up utilization of the exercise device 800, such an exercise device having a relatively long handle length l₂ may be used for other types of exercises as well. For example, the device 800 may be held in a substantially vertical or horizontal orientation in various positions and rotated in a circular motion to provide desirable engagement of core and/or other muscles or muscle groups.

Combination Dumbbell and Push-Up Bar

FIG. 10A illustrates an embodiment of an exercise device 1000A that may be utilized by user 1005 for performing push-ups or other related exercises. In certain embodiments, the exercise device 1000A is a dumbbell that may be used for biceps curls, wrist curls, and the like, where in the exercise device 1000A comprises one or more features that allow the exercise device 1008 be used has a push-up apparatus as well. Various features disclosed herein may provide such push-up conversion functionality. For example, as shown in the detailed diagram 10B, which illustrates a detailed portion of the exercise device 1000A shown in FIG. 10A, the exercise device 1000A may include a base portion 1028 having a substantially flat portion 123, wherein the flat portion 123 may be secured against or rest on a flat surface 1071 in a substantially vertical orientation. When the flat surface 123 of the exercise device 1000A is in substantially flush contact with a ground surface or other surface along a plane 1071, a user may use the exercise device 1000A as a push-ups apparatus by grasping a handle portion (not shown) of the exercise device 1000A and positioning him or herself in a push-up position, similar to that shown with respect to the user 1005 FIG. 10A.

In certain embodiments, the exercise device 1000A is a rotating dumbbell, as described herein, wherein the exercise device 1000A comprises at least a handle member (not shown) and one or more rotating weight members configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the handle member. The ability to rotate the handle member relative to the weight member(s) may provide improved flexibility in push-up exercise execution when compared to a push-up bar apparatus having a fixed handle member. Therefore, the combination of flat base platform 123 with the rotating functionality of the handle member of the exercise device 1000A may provide an improved push-up experience for the user. For example, the rotating handle member may advantageously reduce stress, or provide reduced restriction of motion, with respect to the wrist of the user 1005 to some degree, thereby potentially providing certain health-related benefits under certain conditions.

Furthermore, certain embodiments of the exercise device 1000A may provide for a locking mechanism with respect to the rotatable handle member. That is, the exercise device 1008 may be configurable such that the handle member, which may otherwise be rotatable with respect to the weight members, as described herein, may be locked or fixed with respect to the weight members, such that the handle may not rotate in a push-up configuration. Such a configuration may allow for a relatively more secured push-up structure.

Fitness Band Attachment

FIG. 11 illustrates an exercise device 1100, which may be similar in certain respects to various dumbbell and/or curl bar embodiments disclosed herein, that is configurable to be attached to a band member 1160, which may be used for various exercise activities. For example, the exercise device 1100 may comprise a handle member 1110 having a shape and/or structure designed to allow for a band 1162 be looped therearound in a manner as shown in FIG. 11 such that, when the band member is of sufficient length, a loop portion 1162 may extend away from the exercise device 1100 and may be used for various training exercises.

FIG. 12 illustrates a user 1205 utilizing the exercise device 1110 in a training band configuration. As shown, the training band 1160 may be secured to a handle member 1110 and looped around a structure or body portion or appendage, wherein the band provides training resistance. The resistance applied to/by the band 1160 may be translated at least partially to the exercise device 1100 when the band 1160 is secured thereto. The user 1205 may advantageously utilize the introduced tension of the attached training band at least in part by grasping one or more portions of the handle member 1110 and pulling in a direction at least partially away from an attachment point 1207 of the band 1160. For example, as shown, the user 1205 may attach the band 1160 about one or more feet of the user, or other appendage or member of the user's body, or other substantially secure structure, and perform various exercise activities by grasping the handle portion 1110 of the exercise device 1100 and moving the exercise device 1100 in one or more directions and/or using one or more types of movement. The exercise device 1100 may provide rotating weight functionality, as described herein. The rotation of the weight members 1120A and/or 1120B, in combination with the resistive training effect introduced by the band 1160, may provide a unique training experience, wherein muscle engagement is caused at least in part by both the resistance of the training band 1160, as well as the rotation of one or more of the weight members 1120A, 1120B.

Weight Adjustment

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of a weight member assembly 1320 for an exercise device. The weight member 1320 includes a housing or other substantially rigid structure or form that may be secured or attached to a handle member or other component of a dumbbell or other exercise device. In certain embodiments, the weight member 1320 and corresponding handle member of the associated exercise device are a single form, and are not detachable. However, the illustrated embodiment shows a separable weight member having attachment features for securing a handle member thereto. As an example embodiment, the weight number 1320 may include one or more apertures 1321, wherein a pin or other component or structure of the handle member or other attachment structure may be inserted therethrough and secured in some manner to the weight member 1320. For example, the housing of the weight member 1320 may comprise one or more recesses 1324 for nesting or securing one or more pins or other structures, which may provide attachment functionality. Further details associated with various attachment mechanisms contemplated herein are described below with reference to FIGS. 15A-16B.

In certain embodiments, the weight member 1320 is configured to house, or otherwise be associated with, one or more weights 1393. For example, the housing may house one or more forms or structures having greater density/weight than the surrounding housing of the weight member 1320, as shown. Therefore, weight may be at least partially concentrated in a region of the weight member 1320 where the one or more weights are disposed. The example embodiment of FIG. 13 shows a weight receptacle 1391 comprising cavities adapted to fit a plurality of weights 1393 the weights may have any desirable shape, size or density, and may comprise any desirable or suitable material or compound of materials.

The embodiment of FIG. 13 illustrates cylindrically shaped weights 1393 nested within at least partially cylindrically shaped nesting recesses 1395. However, the weights 1393 may have any desirable shape. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14 of the weight member 1420, the weight receptacle portion comprises cuboid-shaped recesses 1495 for nesting cuboid-shaped weights 1493 therein. Furthermore, the present disclosure contemplates embodiments of weight members comprising any desirable or suitable number of recesses and/or weights. By including recesses for a plurality of separate weights, the embodiments of FIGS. 13 and 14 may provide for selective weight adjustment of the weight member and corresponding exercise device. For example, a user may increase or decrease the amount of overall weight of the weight member by increasing or decreasing, respectively, the number of discrete weights contained within the housing of the weight member.

The illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 13 and 14 show the weight receptacles 1391, 1491 as being accessible on an inner surface 1397, 1497 of the weight members 1320, 1420, respectively. In certain embodiments, the assemblies of FIGS. 13 and 14 may comprise a door/cover member 1391, 1491 configured to close over the weights 1393, 1493 and/or weight recesses 1391, 1491, thereby providing protection and or support for the weights contained therein. The weight cover 1391 may be configured to be secured or fastened to a housing of the weight member 1320 in a closed engagement according to any mechanism known in the art.

Component Attachment/Detachment

FIG. 15A illustrates a substantially assembled/complete exercise device assembly, such as a rotating dumbbell, as described herein. In certain embodiments, various components and or members of the exercise device 1500 may be dissembled and/or disconnected from one or more other components or members of the exercise device 1500. Disassembly or break-down of the exercise device 1500 may provide for reduced size and/or flexibility in storing and/or transporting the exercise device 1500.

FIG. 15B illustrates an exploded view of the exercise device 1500, wherein various connection relationships between the various components of the exercise device 1500 are shown. As shown, in certain embodiments, a handle member 1510 may be disconnected from one or more weight members 1520A, 1520B. The disassembly characteristics of the exercise device 1500, as described herein, may provide various benefits. For example, by detaching the handle member 1510 from one or more of the weight members 1520A, 1520B, a user may be able to reduce an overall form factor of the exercise device 1500 when disassembled and not in use. Such a reduced form factor may be beneficial, for example, when packaging for travel or otherwise storing the exercise device 1500, wherein reduced occupation of space is beneficial.

As shown in FIG. 15B, the handle member 1510 includes an engagement rod portion 1525A, 1525B at either distal end of the handle member 1510. The engagement rod portion may be configured to fit within an aperture of a corresponding weight member and secured thereto in some manner. Furthermore, each individual weight member may be disassembled to some degree. For example, as shown, an inner housing form 1528 may be detachable from an outer rim form 1527 and or form 1529. Such forms may be secured to one another using various hardware components and fasteners, such as nuts, bolts, screws, washers, and/or the like. In certain embodiments, a weight receptacle cover 1591 is also detachable from the body of the weight member 1520B.

FIG. 16A illustrates an embodiment of a handle member 1610. The handle member 1610 comprises an engagement rod portion 1618 for insertion into a corresponding aperture or receptacle of a weight member, as described above. The handle member 1610 may further comprise a locking pin 1615, which may be configured to secure the engagement rod portion 1618 and/or the handle member 1610 to a corresponding weight member. For example, the locking pin 165 may be designed to fit within one or more nesting receptacles on an inner surface of a weight member, such as a receptacle similar to the receptacle 1324 shown in FIG. 13 and described above.

FIG. 16B illustrates an exploded view of the handle member 1610 shown in FIG. 16A. The handle member 1610 may comprise an outer tubular structure, or shaft 1611, as well as an inner axle member 1616 which may be integrated within or attached to a rod engagement portion 1618. The axle 1616 and/or rod engagement portion 1618 may have one or more apertures therethrough, wherein a locking pin 1615 may be inserted therethrough. The handle member 1610 may further comprise one or more caps or pieces 1619 for at least partially securing the outer tubular structure 1611 to one or more inner components, such as the axle 1616, engagement rod 1618, or outer connection sleeve 1617. To such end, the cap member 1619 may be configured to nest substantially tightly with in the outer tubular structure 1611, and may comprise secondary aperture or attachment structure for securing a rod or axle having a narrower diameter than the tubular structure 1611. Although illustrated as generally tubular or cylindrical in shape, certain of the various components of FIG. 16B may comprise shapes other than those specifically illustrated.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” The word “coupled”, as generally used herein, refers to two or more elements that may be either directly connected, or connected by way of one or more intermediate elements. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

The above detailed description of embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in parallel, or may be performed at different times.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description of embodiments, various features are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim require more features than are expressly recited in that claim. Rather, inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment.

The teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments.

While some embodiments of the inventions have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. 

1. A push-up apparatus, comprising: a handle member having a first distal end portion and a second distal end portion; and first and second support members, each including: a substantially flat support surface; and a bearing structure rotatably coupled to one of the first and second distal end portions of the handle member, the bearing structure being positioned such that a respective distal end of the handle member is closer to a top surface of the respective support member opposite the support surface than to the support surface; wherein the handle member is configured to rotate axially about a central axis of the handle member independently of the first and second support members.
 2. The push-up apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first support member includes one or more weights disposed between the bearing structure and the support surface of the first support member.
 3. The push-up apparatus of claim 1, wherein the push-up apparatus is configured to be utilized as a dumbbell for weight training exercises.
 4. The push-up apparatus of claim 1, wherein movement of the handle member in a substantially circular motion about the central axis of the handle member causes the support surface of at least one of the first and second support members to rotate independently of the handle member about the central axis.
 5. The push-up apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first support member is fixed to the second support member such that axial rotation of the first support member causes similar axial rotation of the second support member.
 6. The push-up apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first support member is fixed to the second support member by an internal shaft disposed at least partially within the handle member and connected between the first and second support members.
 7. The push-up apparatus of claim 1, wherein the handle member is detachable from the first support member.
 8. The push-up apparatus of claim 1, wherein the top surface of each of the first and second support members includes a rounded apex surface.
 9. An exercise apparatus, comprising: a handle member having a first distal end portion and a second distal end portion; and first and second support members, each including: a substantially flat support surface; a top surface positioned opposite at least a portion of the support surface; and a bearing structure rotatably coupled to one of the first and second distal end portions of the handle member; wherein the handle member is configured to rotate axially about a central axis of the handle member independently of the first and second support members; and wherein the first support member has a height dimension extending between the support surface and the top surface of the first support member, the height dimension intersecting the central axis of the handle member at a point that is a distance that is more than half of the height dimension away from the support surface of the first support member.
 10. The exercise apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first support member includes one or more weights disposed between the bearing structure and the support surface of the first support member.
 11. The exercise apparatus of claim 9, wherein the exercise apparatus is configured to be utilized as a dumbbell for weight training exercises.
 12. The exercise apparatus of claim 9, wherein movement of the handle member in a substantially circular motion about the central axis of the handle member causes the support surface of at least one of the first and second support members to rotate independently of the handle member axially about the central axis.
 13. The exercise apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first support member is fixed to the second support member such that axial rotation of the first support member causes similar axial rotation of the second support member.
 14. The exercise apparatus of claim 9, wherein the handle member is detachable from the first and second support members.
 15. A method of performing a physical exercise, the method comprising: placing first and second exercise devices against a substantially flat ground surface, each of the first and second exercise devices including: a handle member having a first distal end portion and a second distal end portion; and first and second support members, each including a substantially flat support surface and a bearing structure rotatably coupled to one of the first and second distal end portions of the handle member, the bearing structure being positioned such that a coupled distal end of the handle member is closer to a top surface of the respective support member opposite the support surface than to the support surface; grasping the handle members of the first and second exercise devices; adjusting a rotational angle of the first and second exercise devices by axially rotating the handle members of the first and second exercise devices axially independently of the respective first and second support members of each of the first and second exercise devices; and performing a push-up exercise while grasping the handle members.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: lifting the first exercise device away from the ground surface; and performing a weight training exercise at least in part by moving the handle member of the first exercise device in a substantially circular motion about a central axis of said handle member, thereby causing the support surface of at least one of the first and second support members of the first exercise devices to rotate independently of said handle member about the central axis.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the first support member of the first exercise device is fixed to the second support member of the first exercise device such that axial rotation of said first support member causes similar axial rotation of said second support member.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein the first support member of the first exercise device is fixed to the second support member by an internal shaft disposed at least partially within the handle member of the first exercise device and connected between said first and second support members.
 19. The method of claim 15, further comprising detaching the handle member of the first exercise device from the first and second support members of the first exercise device.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein said moving the handle member in a substantially circular motion is performed at least in part by grasping the handle member of the first exercise device with two hands and moving the handle member of the first exercise device in a substantially circular motion using the two hands. 